Dilator for cervical canal

ABSTRACT

A novel inflatable device is disclosed for use in dilating various body cavities, and especially the human cervix, comprising an envelope member having an enlarged bulbous portion on one end, and a shield at the opposite end. The envelope member is inflatable with suitable gases such as carbon dioxide, or liquids such as saline, distilled water and the like.

United States Patent 1191 Leininger et al.

[ Aug. 19, 1975 1 1 DILATOR FOR CERVICAL CANAL [75] Inventors: Robert Irvin Leininger; Joseph Ronald Preston; Brenton Ray Lower, all of Columbus, Ohio [73] Assignee: Ortho Pharmaceutical Corporation,

Raritan, NJ.

[22] Filed: Mar. 7, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 338,697

[52] US. Cl. 128/344 [51] Int. Cl A6lm 29/00 [58] Field of Search 128/129, 246, 344, 349 B [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,282,881 10/1918 Landis 128/344 1,690,995 11/1928 Pratt 128/344 2,494,393 l/195() Lamson 128/344 2,667,875 2/1954 Wallace 128/349 B 3,095,871 7/1963 Mann et a1 128/344 3,585,983 6/1971 Kantrowitz et al. 128/344 3,626,949 12/1971 Shute 128/344 3,799,170 3/1974 Walsh et al. 128/344 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 411,543 6/1934 United Kingdom 128/129 629,556 9/1949 United Kingdom 128/344 Primary Examiner-Channing L. Pace Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Benjamin F. Lambert [5 7] ABSTRACT A novel inflatable device is disclosed for use in dilating various body cavities, and especially the human cervix, comprising an envelope member having an enlarged bulbous portion on one end, and a shield at the opposite end. The envelope member is inflatable with suitable gases such as carbon dioxide, or liquids such as saline, distilled water and the like.

10 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures DILATOR FOR CERVICAL CANAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In medical practice, dilatation of various canals is often necessary prior to performing specific surgical techniques, to relieve or remove a blockage, or to provide a clear passageway for surgical instruments and devices. For example, in performing a curettage of the uterus, it is usually necessary to dilate the cervix so that the curette may be inserted with a minimum of patient discomfort. Many more dilatation procedures of other body vessels would be performed depending upon the particular medical indication, if a relatively safe, physiologically safe and convenient dilatation procedure were available. That current dilatation procedures are insufficient to meet the needs of the physician and patient is illustrated by the problems encountered in cervical dilatation.

The human cervix is a canal having an inner and outer restricted s and varying in length from individual to individual, but usually of the order of about 2 centimeters. In terms of expandability, the canal itself is more elastic than either the inner or the outer 0s and as between the two, the inner 05 is much more restricted and intractable to dilatation than the outer 0s.

There are predominantly two major dilatation techniques that are employed in dilating the cervix. In one of these, an expansible dry solid material such as laminaria is inserted into the cervix in its dried, stiff form therein to come into contact with body fluids. The contact with the body fluids causes the laminaria to swell and thereby exert a transverse pressure on the ca nal, causing the canal to dilate. This procedure is extremely slow and typically involves often as much as to 12 hours for a significant amount of dilatation to oc cur. It is therefore wholly unsuited to current needs in the medical field.

A more widespread procedure involves the use of Hegar dilators, a series of solid, rodlike instruments of graduated diameter used in a serial fashion by the physician. The physician first inserts a Hegar dilator of low cross sectional area, removes the dilator and replaces it with the dilator of next higher cross sectional area. He continues this until adequate dilatation occurs. This normally takes two or three minutes and is usually accompanied by a distressing amount of pain and discomfort for the patient. Anesthetics are generally required but are not altogether satisfactory. For example, a general anesthetic has the disadvantage of requiring the presence of an anesthesiologist, thus complicating the procedure. When local anesthetics are used, the patient nevertheless frequently experiences a great amount of discomfort from the procedure. This is probably caused by the disproportionate amount of large longitudinal force required to achieve the relatively small amount of transverse force necessary to produce adequate dilatation. Administration of the local is itself not without discomfort.

The disadvantages of the current methods have been well recognized and have spawned a fair amount of activity in the field. Nevertheless, an effective, reliable, easily employed device and technique have not heretofore been available for use.

In the Polish Journal, Ginekologia Polska, Vol. 32, Number 8 1961 pages 245-250, Stanislaw Sobieranski, Miroslaw Lewy and Zbigniew Piechowiak point out the severe risks attending current dilatation techniques. Uterine perforation, cervical laceration, and possible abdominal complications are consequences that can arise. This, of course, is in addition to the pain and discomfort that accompanies the procedure. The authors attempted to solve the problem by providing a rubber tube closed at one end and carrying a nylon net around the outer expanse of tubing. The device was inserted into the cervical canal and then filled with air to thereby exert a pressure on the cervix and cause dilatation. Two people were required to administer this technique, one being the person who inserted the device and the other being the person who manipulated the air pressure. Undoubtedly, two manipulators were required because the application of pressure caused the rubber tube to be expelled from the cervical canal either inwardly into the uterus, if it had been inserted too deeply, or outwardly into the vaginal canal if not inserted deeply enough. Thus, one person was needed to hold the tube in position to make certain it would be maintained in the canal, while the other was needed to attend to the flow of air. This technique is disadvantageous for obvious reasons.

In accordance with the present invention, a dilatation device is provided which relatively painlessly and effortlessly produces dilatation of a body canal, especially the cervical canal, when employed by one practitioner only.

A full and complete understanding of the invention will be aided by reference to the accompanying drawings wherein FIG. 1 shows a specific embodiment of the device of the invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the position of the device in place in a cervix,

and FIG. 4 shows a modification of the present device.

In FIG. 1 there is depicted at l a typical dilator of the present invention in inflated form but outside the body canal. In general, the device comprises an inserter tube 2 shrouded by a collapsible, relatively non-expansible envelope 3 having (in its non-collapsed form) a relatively constant cross sectional diameter. Envelope 3 is attached at one of its ends to shield 4 and is engaged in fluid tight relationship with the insertion tube 2 and shield 4. Projecting through shield 4 and coordinating with tube 2 is extension tube 5. The device is inserted in a manner described in more detail herein below, such that the shield 4 is the proximal end and enlarged portion 6 represents the distal end. Tube 2 is provided with preferably a plurality of ports 7 so that gas or liquid may be transmitted through the tube into the envelope 3. Tube 5 is connected to a source of fluid pressure (not shown) preferably a chemically inert, physiologically acceptable fluid such as carbon dioxide, saline solution, distilled water, and the like.

The use of the device in the presentinvention will now be described in connectin with the dilatation of the human cervical canal, but it is to be understood that the procedure and the device may be modified to accomodate any dilatable body canal or vessel. In accordance with the preferred embodiment in the present invention, device I is inserted into the human cervix without prior dilatation. The distance between the shield 4 and enlarged portion 6 is sufficient to permit contact along tyhe entire length of the cervix by tube 3 including the inner 0s 9 and outer 0s 8. FIG. 2 shows the presence of the device of the invention in collapsed form, in place in the cervix to demonstrate that enlarged portion 6 is located beyond the inner os 9. Envelope 3 is preferably 2-3 centimeters long. While the human cervical canal is approximately 2 to 2.5 cm. long, it is desirable to have envelope 3 somewhat longer to ensure adequate occlusion. For devices used to dilate other canals, appropriate changes in dimension may be made as desired.

In order to facilitate insertion of the device, it is preferred that the diameter of tube 3 in its collapsed state be of the order of 2 4 millimeters. Tube 2, preferably provided as a rigid or semirigid member such as plastic, stainless steel and the like, being shrouded with a small diametere envelope, may then be easily inserted. Preferably the end of tube 2 comes into close proximity with the end of enlarged portion 6 although in FIGS. 1 and 2 it is shown at a significant distance therefrom.

Envelope 3 is made of a relatively non-elastic nonexpansible material such as a polyurethane, polyvinylchloride or polyethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. Especially preferred are thermoplastic polyurethanes having a molecular weight of 20,000 to 80,000 and preferably 40,000 to 50,000 such as those available under the trade name of Roylar E-9 from the Uniroyal Corporation. Relative non-elasticity in the device in the present invention, it has been discovered, is important for two reasons. Since both the inner and outer ora are more intractable toward dilatationn than the main part of the cervical canal, any member which is relatively elastic will tend to dilate the inner portion preferentially. Thus, if there were no restraints on the envelope 3, dilatation of the cervical canal would occur but corresponding dilatation of either would not occur to the same degree. Ultimate insertion of a curette or other device would be impeded. Relative non-elasticity therefore ensures that both the inner and outer ora will be dilated to a degree closely approximating that of the canal itself (see FIG. 3). It has been discovered that when polyurethanes of the type mentioned above, having a collapsed diameter of 2 4 millimeters, and a filled diameter in the rangne of 12 to 14 millimeters, are used in the manner more completely described below, dilatation offrom 9 to millimeters in 2 to 3 minutes will occur.

Once the device 1 is inserted into the cervix, fluid is permitted to flow into tube 5 through tube 2 out from ports 7 into envelope 3. Since the device is equipped with an enlarged portion, and since enlarged portion 6 is not restrained by engagement with any body tissue, introduction of fluid pressure into the system causes enlarged portion 6 to inflate first. Envelope 3, meeting resistance from the walls of the cervical canal, starts to fill up at a rate slower than that of enlarged portion 6. Thus, the differential response of the enlarged portion 6 vis-a-vis envelope 3 prevents device I from being expelled in an outward direction. As fluid flow continues, shield 4 prevents an inward slide of the device. The device is then charged with about 49 and preferably 58 pounds per square inch of guage pressure with any convenient sourcje of physiologically acceptable fluid. Gaseous carbon dioxide is preferred although liquids, such as saline. are also quite suitable.

In consequence of the unique structure of the device in the present invention, only one person is needed to insert and charge the system. Once the system is charged, dilatation occurs within a very short period of time of the order of 2-3 minutes in a relatively painless fashion and without a general anesthetic. Thus, the patient may remain fully awake and aware at all times. In fact, it has been discovered that even a local anesthetic need generally not be used. Some practitioners may prefer to use a local anesthetic to ease the discomfort caused by the grip of the tenaculum on the cervix, but this would be encountered irrespective of the particular dilatation technique employed. FIG. 3 shows the placement of the device in the cervix following inflation. Both inner 0s 9 and outer 0s 8 are dilated to approximately the same degree. Following administration in the manner described, and when the patient is sufficiently dilated, the device may be removed and the patient treated in accordance with her medical indications. Oftentimes, the degree of dilatation is so satisfactory that the device may be freely moved in and removed from the cervical canal without venting the systern.

With regard to dimensions of the various members of the dilator, it will be appreciated that these in a large measure depend upon the particular body canal being treated. For cervical use, shield 4 should be from I 2 centimeters, and preferably 1.5 centimeters; tube 3 from 8 14 millimeters and preferably 10 l2 millimeters in diameter in filled form and from 1.5-4 millimeters and preferably 2-3 millimeters in collapsed form; and tube 2 and tube 5 of the order of l 1.5 millimeters in diameter. Obviously, for tracheal or esophageal use these dimensions should be increased and a sufficient amount of flexibility will be provided within each member so as to minimize the risks of perforation. It is apparent that modifications of the device may be incorporated which differ from those set forth in the description of the preferred embodiment, but it is believed that these are well within the skill of the art. Thus, for example, port 7 need not necessarily be located on the side but may be present as the open end of tube 2. Similarly, the seal between shield 4 and envelope 3 may be either at a point located on the shield itself away from the entry point of tube 2, or indeed, may be located at a point on tube 2 away from shield 4. Similar modifications may be employed.

The device of the present invention is also uniquely suited to being used as a drug delivery system and thus dilatation and therapy can be accomplished simultaneously. Additionally, under some circumstances, it may not be necessary to dilate to any significant degree at all. An illustration of the former case is represented by a device I wherein enlarged portion 6 is impregnated with a suitable medicament. Dilatation of the cervix would then be accomplished by a slow leaching of the medicament from the device itself. This could be an important adjunct to the use of abortifacients and labor inducers. Additionally, envelope 3 may itself be impregnated with a drug so that contact with the cervi cal canal results in high local concentrations of medicament.

As an alternative to impregnation, enlarged portion 6 may be fabricated with one or more depressions 10 as is shown in FIG. 4. 'll'lis depression may be filled with medicament. When the device is inserted and fluid pressure applied, the pressure will force the depression 10 and cause the release of the medicament into the uterus.

In the following examples, unless otherwise indicated, a dilator of the type described in FIGS. 1 and 2 EXAMPLE I The patient was l6 years old. of zero parity and 6 weeks gestational age. No anesthesia was used because of a known allergic history. Pressurization at 4.5 psig for 3 minutes produced some cramping but less discomfort than use of the tenaculum and much less than produced by subsequent evacuation of the uterus by aspiration. After removal of the dilator, an 8 millimeter curette could be introduced with only slight resistance.

EXAMPLE ll The patient was 19 years old. of zero parity and 7 weeks gestational age. Pressurization at 5 psig for 2 minutes followed by 6 psig for another 2 minutes produced no discomfort. Final dilatation was somewhat more than 9 millimeters.

EXAMPLE Ill The patient was 24 years old, of zero parity and 8 weeks gestational age. There was some discomfort at 5 psig pressure which diminished after the first 2 minutes. After a total of 3 minutes at 5 psig, pressure was increased to 6 psig for l more minute. The final size was 9 millimeters. The unusual amount of time required for dilatation here was caused by a very firm cervix.

EXAMPLE IV The patient was years old, of zero parity and 7 weeks gestational age. Pressurization was 6 psig for 1 minute followed by 7 psig for 2 additional minutes. There was no discomfort noted and the final size was 9 millimeters.

EXAMPLE V The patient was 21 years old, of zero parity and 8 weeks gestational age. After 3 minutes at 6 psig dilatation was 9 millimeters.

in each of the foregoing examples except Example I, the inflated dilator could be easily moved in the cervical canal even to complete withdrawal and reinsertion with no discomfort. While this was not possible in Example l, the presence of a very firm cervix in the patient necessitated venting in order to achieve a zero discomfort level for removal.

What is claimed is:

l. A body canal dilating device comprising a relatively non-elastic, non-expansible, collapsible, inflatable envelope, having two portions, the first said portion in the inflated state having a relatively constant diameter and a length sufficient to occlude a canal having more than one 05, and the other of said portions contiguous with the first said portion and being a terminal enlarged bulbous portion having a diameter in excess of said constant diameter in the inflated state, a tubular inserter member entering the first said portion and while inside thereof extending therethrough and into the inside of the other of said portions, a shield located in proximity of the entrance to the first said portion and engaged with said tubular member, said tubular member being adapted to permit entry into said envelope of a pressurizing fluid.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said first portion is of a length sufficient to occlude the entire length of the human cervical canal.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said first portion has a diameter in the inflated state of from 12 to 14 mm.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein said first portion in the collapsed state measures between 1 /2 to 4 mm. in diameter.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the first portion and sid terminal enlarged bulbous portion are polyurethane having a molecular weight of between 20,000 and 80,000.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said tubular inserter member is at least semirigid.

7. The method for dilating a body canal which comprises inserting the device of claim 6 into a body canal and directing the flow ofa fluid into said device to pressurize the device thereby and to cause consequent dilatation of said body canal.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the device is pressurized to within 4 to 9 pounds per square inch of gauge pressure.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the pressurized fluid is an aqueous fluid.

10. The method of claim 7 wherein the pressurized fluid is carbon dioxide.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. 3,900,033 DATED Ausult 9, 975

INVENT I Robert LLeininger et al It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In Column 2, line 58, "connectin" should read connection In Column 2, line 67, "tyhe" should read the In Column 3, line 15, "diametere" should read diameter In Column 3, line 29, "dilatationn" should read dilatation In Column 3, line &2, "rangne" should read range In Column 3, line 60, "guuge" should read gauge In Column 3, line 61, "sourcje" should read source In Column r, line 52, "accomplished" should read accompanied In Column 6, line 32, Claim 5, "sid" should read said Signed and Scaled this thirtieth Day of December 1975 [SEAL] A ttes t:

RUTH C. MASON C. IAISIIALI. DANN Arresting Officer Commission" of "mm and Trademarks 

1. A body canal dilating device comprising a relatively nonelastic, non-expansible, collapsible, inflatable envelope, having two portions, the first said portion in the inflated state having a relatively constant diameter and a length sufficient to occlude a canal having more than one os, and the other of said portions contiguous with the first said portion and being a terminal enlarged bulbous portion having a diameter in excess of said constant diameter in the inflated state, a tubular inserter member entering the first said portion and while inside thereof extending therethrough and into the inside of the other of said portions, a shield located in proximity of the entrance to the first said portion and engaged with said tubular member, said tubular member being adapted to permit entry into said envelope of a pressurizing fluid.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein said first portion is of a length sufficient to occlude the entire length of the human cervical canal.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said first portion has a diameter in the inflated state of from 12 to 14 mm.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein said first portion in the collapsed state measures between 1 1/2 to 4 mm. in diameter.
 5. The device of claim 4 wherein the first portion and sid terminal enlarged bulbous portion are polyurethane having a molecular weight of between 20,000 and 80,000.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein said tubular inserter member is at least semirigid.
 7. The method for dilating a body canal which comprises inserting the device of claim 6 into a body canal and directing the flow of a fluid into said device to pressurize the device thereby and to cause consequent dilatation of said body canal.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein the device is pressurized to within 4 to 9 pounds per square inch of gauge pressure.
 9. The method of claim 7 wherein the pressurized fluid is an aqueous fluid.
 10. The method of claim 7 wherein the pressurized fluid is carbon dioxide. 